Connecting the threads
November 6th, 2015
Tips for obtaining strong patent protection in textiles. Imagine a scenario where a research scientist developed a new woven fabric that could potentially have a significant impact as an implantable medical device to replace damaged tissues. Excited with the potential of discovering a breakthrough technology, this scientist now grows concerned about next steps. How does […]
The intellectual property minefield
November 6th, 2015
In the advanced textiles world, new technologies and products are practically an everyday occurrence. We hear about “breakthrough” research in every segment from thermal control, to e-textiles, to biomedical materials and many others. When one considers the difficulty—never mind the expense—of protecting intellectual property, it’s kind of amazing there is so much that’s new in […]
New vest offers a warning system for road workers
November 6th, 2015
Working at a construction site is loud, dirty and often dangerous. Workers deal with the risk of being struck by a vehicle as it passes through a work zone, because drivers sometimes either don’t see or they ignore flags, cones or other warnings. According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, 579 people were […]
MIT researchers develop a responsive bio-skin
November 6th, 2015
Researchers in the Tangible Media Group at MIT’s Media Lab say they “imagine a world where actuators and sensors can be grown rather than manufactured, derived from nature as opposed to engineered in factories.” They haven’t just imagined it, they’ve actually done it, and it’s called BioLogic. The researchers have already demonstrated that the bio-skin […]
Drytac names Hayden Kelley CEO
November 5th, 2015
Richmond, Va.-based adhesive-coated product developer Drytac has named Hayden Kelley, son of company founder Richard Kelley, the company’s new global chief executive officer, effective immediately. Holding degrees in economics and international business, the younger Kelley previously was regional sales manager for Drytac’s western United States territory and vice president of sales and marketing for Drytac […]
Evolon by Freudenberg revolutionizes the microfiber towel
November 4th, 2015
Freudenberg Performance Materials, an arm of German specialty fabrics innovator Fredenberg Group, presents its Evolon microfilament fabric in towels, improving their absorbability and drying time. Evolon towels will dry two to three times more quickly than traditional towels; they can also be washed at temperatures up to 95°C and can be optionally equipped with built-in […]
Sensoria, Orthotics Holdings developing balance brace
November 3rd, 2015
Seattle-based wearable technology developer Sensoria and Orthotics Holdings Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y., provider of technologies and options to treat conditions associated with the lower extremities, have joined to develop the Smart Moore Balance Brace that is intended to help wearers, particularly seniors, avoid falls. The Smart Moore Balance Brace is a refinement of the original […]
UMN hosting wearable technology event
November 2nd, 2015
The University of Minnesota’s current event series, Headliners, will offer “Stronger, Faster, Brighter: Wearable Technology and the Future of Clothing” Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Continuing Education and Conference Center. The series provides opportunities to meet with university experts as they share firsthand knowledge of current topics, from medical breakthroughs to social trends. […]
Microsoft announces revamped Band 2
November 2nd, 2015
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft has unveiled a revamp of its activity-monitoring Microsoft Band. In addition to similar products that measure, track and display such athletic activity as a step counter, GPS, heart rate monitor and a sleep tracker, the upgraded Microsoft Band 2 tracks oxygen consumption and golf swings. Wearers can also receive text messages and […]